News: Walker lost his arbitration case and will make $8 million in 2015, Tom Singer of MLB.com reports.

Impact: Walker argued that he deserved $9 million after slashing .271/.342/.467 with 23 homers and 76 RBI last season, but the arbitration panel sided with the Pirates. While Walker's 13.9% HR/FB rate last season was above his norm (10.1%), his .288 BABIP was nearly 20 points below his career mark (.307), so there's little reason to think the 29-year-old won't return strong value in his seventh major league season.

StatsLLC: Feb 7 / 12:00a ET

News: Walker is getting a raise, just not the one he wanted.

Impact: An arbitration panel sided Saturday with the Pirates in their case against Walker, who was seeking a pay bump to $9 million in 2015. The 29-year-old Walker will instead receive $8 million. He made $5.75 million last year. Walker led all National League second baseman with a career-best 23 home runs in 2014. Walker hit .271 with 76 RBIs in 137 games for the Pirates, who claimed a second straight wild-card berth.

Impact: The second baseman bashed a career-high 23 homers in 2014, compiling a .271/.342/.467 line in 571 plate appearances. The Pirates will soon face a dilemma with Walker, as the second-year arbitration eligible infielder is due for a raise in the neighborhood of $10 millon per season. He'll be 31 years of age when he's an unrestricted free agent in 2017. His history of back problems and already-declining defensive skills put the small-market Bucs in a precarious public relations position with the Pittsburgh native. As a result, it's not inconceivable the team looks to deal him prior to free agency.